Vietnam closed 2025 as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest performing inbound tourism markets, welcoming a growing number of international visitors and reinforcing its reputation as a diverse, high-value destination. Improved connectivity, favourable visa policies and strong demand from both regional and long-haul markets helped sustain momentum throughout the year.
International Arrivals Maintain Upward Trajectory
International arrivals to Vietnam continued to rise in 2025, with total foreign visitor numbers reaching around 17 million by year end, reflecting a solid year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by a combination of short-haul regional travel and the steady return of long-haul markets, positioning Vietnam among the region’s top inbound performers.
Key source markets included South Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Taiwan, alongside growing interest from Europe and Australia. This broad mix of markets supported resilience and reduced reliance on any single source country.
Connectivity and Visa Facilitation
Expanded air connectivity played a crucial role in Vietnam’s inbound success. Airlines added capacity on regional routes while restoring and expanding long-haul services to major gateways including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These developments improved accessibility and encouraged multi-centre itineraries across the country.
Vietnam’s extended e-visa policy, which allows eligible international visitors to stay for up to 90 days, continued to deliver tangible benefits in 2025. The simplified entry process supported longer stays, repeat visits and increased interest from independent travellers and special interest segments.
Diversifying the Visitor Experience
While established destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang remained key entry points, 2025 saw growing international interest in secondary and emerging destinations. Cultural hubs, coastal cities and heritage provinces gained visibility, supporting more balanced tourism development and richer itineraries for inbound travellers.
This diversification aligned with rising demand for experience-led travel, including culture, cuisine, nature and community-based tourism, strengthening Vietnam’s appeal to travellers seeking authenticity and depth.
Tourism Promotion and Market Confidence
Vietnam continued to invest in international promotion throughout 2025, highlighting the country’s cultural richness, natural landscapes and value for money. Strong performance in regional and global travel rankings further boosted confidence among international travellers and industry partners.
Inbound tourism also benefited from Vietnam’s growing reputation for safety, hospitality and service quality, factors that increasingly influence destination choice in the global travel market.
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2025, Vietnam had established a strong platform for further inbound growth. Rising international arrivals, improved access and a diversified destination portfolio positioned the country well for continued expansion in 2026.
With favourable travel policies, expanding connectivity and a compelling mix of cultural, natural and urban experiences, Vietnam enters the new year as a confident and competitive destination for international travellers across multiple market segments.
